Thursday Top Three

Since this blog is normally all over the place, I have decided to try and start one consistent weekly post. Some bloggers do a Supper Sunday where they plan out their dinners for the week but, lets face it, no one wants to read which Smartones or Kroger sushi I think I may choose. Instead, I have decided to make a list of the top 3 things I am loving each week. So, without further ado, the first ever Thursday Top 3:

1. "Seriously...I'm Kidding" by Ellen Degeneres

I picked up this book on a whim at LAX, and could not be happier I did. Instead a crying baby, people on our flight were forced to tolerate random laughter from a 23 year old. Seriously, I was laughing out loud 75% of the plane ride home. It is the perfect pick me up, or relaxing Sunday read for  anyone who is in the market for a new book. And if you are still on the fence, just read the back cover and tell me that does not convince you.

(Image from Oprah.com)

 2. Cucumber and Watermelon Juice

Our first night in LA Jon and I headed to Katsuya for dinner. We arrived a little early, so we made a pit stop at the bar on the way to our table. I had heard wonderful things about their signature drinks, and decided to try the Cucumber Watermelon Mojitio. It was love at first sip. In fact, I was so in love with this concoction that I went to The Farmer's Market the very next day and immediately found a juice stand. At this stand you could combine any number of fruits and vegetables to make your own fresh juice and I once again jumped on the Cucumber and Watermelon train. Two days in VA and I am already having withdrawals.... I will definitely be on the market for a juicer sometime soon!

3. Garden and Gun Magazine

I will admit, when I saw this magazine laying on Concetta's coffee table by initial reaction was "what in the hell is this?!" Gardens....Guns...and Concetta, somehow it did not fit. But when I picked up the magazine and began to read I realized it was more of a mini travel guide to the south, complete with interesting articles and interviews from some of the most famous southern men and women of our time. As Concetta said, "if you like Real Simple, you will love this"! In my opinion, it is a must read if you live below the Mason - Dixon line.

Celebrations Continued

We're baaack! Well actually, I am back. I left Jon in LA after he met Chuck Lorre on the WB lot and made it big, BUT we will have to save that story for another day. 

For now, I will go back a few days/weeks to my birthday. Once the work day had ended, I headed home and got ready for party complete with friends, food, drinks and games at our house. Jon even provided a carrot cake (my favorite) with the word "LUV" on it, since "LOVE" would have been too time consuming to write out. It was so much fun hanging out with everyone who made it, and of course a friendly game of Kings never hurts.



Best present ever: Zaxby's Sauce!!

Post Pizza, Kings and Cake!

That weekend, some Hokies made a pit-stop in Richmond before we all headed to Tappahannock for Reavis and Sarah's engagement party. On Friday, me, Brandy, Brad, Ryan, Gina, Emily and David headed into the Fan and celebrated every occasion we could think of... including the person who built really big Polar Bear (you Richmonders know what I am talking about). After so many shots stories and a taxi ride through Cook Out, we called it a night in order to prepare ourselves for the big party. 



A picture of us dancing...that's weird. :)

We slowly rolled out of bed on Saturday morning, and got ready for the exciting day ahead. It began with a little recovery shopping, and ended with an incredible party celebrating our friends. Seriously, it put every engagement party I've been to to shame. I could not imagine a more beautiful setting to spend time with so many great people, and I am already so excited for wedding season to roll around!! 

The Bride to Be, Gina, and me before the Bon Fire

Sunday, of course, came too quickly. I left Tappahannock, after what could have rivaled the world's biggest sleepover, and headed to Hampton for some family time. My grandparents are still in town, so not only did this mean I got to see them, but I also got to enjoy some of their amazing cooking. Shrimp, french cut potatoes, green beans, and a peach cobbler....my absolute favorite, and the perfect way to conclude the birthweek celebrations. 

So THANK YOU again to everyone who called, facebooked, texted, partied, or celebrated with me in any way. As you saw in the previous post, 23 is already amazing and I cant wait to see what the rest of the year has to bring. 

Stay tuned for our amazing trip to LA! 

Ba Da Ba Ba Ba....

...I'm lovin' it.

(Yes, I did really just reference McDonalds. And no (concetta), it is not because I would have been a great childhood candidate for Super-size Me.)

23 has been spectacular so far, thanks to all of my amazing family and friends. Of course, I still have to tell you all about the actual birthday and wonderful weekend but unfortunately that will have to wait because....

I have some packing to do!!!
 
Jon and I leave for LA tomorrow night!! I cannot believe it is finally here!! We have lots on our agenda and I cannot wait to share everything with you when we return!!

Oh, and if you have any last minute suggestions for LA please comment or send me a message!! Happy hump day!!

Goodbye 22, Hello 23!

Well, as they say, "another one bites the dust." I have left the just out of college age, and turned the corner to practically ancient....

Ok, ok I am kidding....kinda...

Birthdays are always special to people, but I will admit mine sometimes have a habit of turning from a birthDAY to a birthWEEK. Heck, I freak out every time the clock says 10:13, so you can imagine how much I love when the actual day is right around the corner. This year was no different and the birthweek began when Concetta and Will made their way up to Richmond last weekend.

It was such a nice relief to have my best friend in town and spend time touring Richmond with our beaus. I even pulled the birthweek card with Jon and convinced him to finally take us to the Richmond Metro Zoo. The four of us + feeding Giraffes = my birthday heaven (no, 23 did not change the fact that I am still a nerd).

Cet and I with our new friend

Last night the celebration continued when Mom and Dad drove up from Hampton to treat me to a special birthday dinner at Stellas, followed by a date with Jon to see Wicked. Now before everyone says AWWW Jon took her to Wicked, I sort of tricked him into it and llearned a very valuable lesson along the way. Whenever you want to do something out of the ordinary/"girly" plan it during your birthweek! I was so happy my parents my parents made the trip up to celebrate with me, and absolutely loved the show!

Post Stellas <3

When the curtain fell at Landmark, we headed back to Jon's house where Micheal, Casey and Amanda were all up waiting to ring in my official birthday with me. When the clock struck 12:00AM everyone jumped up and yelled "Happy Birthday!!!". Not even 10 seconds later my phone was ringing and Concetta was on the other end. Concetta and I have a midnight birthday wish tradition, and even though I know she wanted to go to bed at 9:00PM, she always pulls through :) Once I got off the phone with her I talked to Katie and Shelby, and then resumed the celebrations with everyone!! What a perfect way to ring in 23.

Ever since I woke up this morning, I have been in awe at how many people have taken the time to call/text/write and I just want to let you all know how much I truely appreciate it. Mom and Dad, this day is just as much about you as it is about me (though I don't always show it!), so thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the best parents this girl could have wished for. You both never let Katie and me feel a shortage of love, and always suppport us no matter what crazy thing we have come up with. Oh and, since I would exsist without you two - thank you for that too! :) As for the rest of my family and friends, thank you thank you thank you. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I hit the jackpot. Y'all have made today so special already and I am so very lucky. And Jon, thanks for putting up with my crazy birthday ways, and being such a huge part of my "22" (and now 23)! Love you all!

Heres to another amazing year!

That One Little Word That Can Change So Many Lives....

Cancer.

Specifically for this post, two words: Pancreatic Cancer. Steve Jobs is undeniably one of the most notable business men and notorious successes of our time. He was never just the CEO of "some big company", he was a strong part of the Apple brand and a driving factor behind their continued success. He has given us access to types of technology and communication many would never have dreamed of, and was continuously raising the standard.

Unfortunately, the disease that took his life far too soon is one that is not nearly as notorious or discussed. An estimated 43,140 Americans were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2010, and of those 36,800 will not survive. How is it that numbers those significant can go unnoticed?

In addition to Steve Jobs, another famous man struggled, and eventually passed away, with this disease: Randy Pausch. I am sure many of you have read, or at least heard about, The Last Lecture. Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a short amount of time to live. He prepared, and delivered, a "last lecture" to his students, which contained the lessons from his life that he found most valuable. Below is his original speech:

Though these to men have shown light on this disease, they are only two of the 43,000. And the number is not just limited to 43,000 a year. Each of these 43,000 people have families and friends that are helping them fight this disease with a lot of hope, determination and a little fear.

As many of you know my best friend's father was one of these fighters, who eventually lost his battle. I have written about him in previous posts like this one, and so has she: here and here. As you can see, he was an incredible man, who meant the world to so many people in his life.

A group of Concetta's friends, including myself, are once again heading to Raleigh to walk/run in the hope of raising money for a cure. We want to do everything we can to keep people from being adversely affected by this disease, and we hope you will join us. Please follow the link below and donate if you are able. No amount is too small, and they will all make a huge difference in a number of people's lives.


Click here to make a Purplestride Donation

Purplestride 2010

The Big Return

The day finally came and I got to make my long awaited return to Lane Stadium. The last time I was there I was listening to speeches about how life as we know it was over just starting, and we were entering the world as that word we had dreaded worked towards for 4 years, alumni.

Graduation

Jon and I made a quick stop in Roanoke to visit/have dinner with my family, since it was family weekend for Katie. We walked around downtown Roanoke and had a wonderful dinner at Metro before reaching our final destination, Blacksburg. As soon as we arrived I threw on a little makeup and braved the line at Tots to meet up with Sarah and Reavis. Let me just say, with a line that long you would have thought Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez were still in town, buying everyone drinks, and offering various movie roles to the first 1000 people up those famous stairs. Geeze Louise was it bad. But of course, it was nothing a rail and a few Washington apples couldn't cure as soon as we made it through the crowds. We started our night with Tots, and ended it at DP Doughs...just like any first night back in Blacksburg should.



Sarah and I at Tots on Friday!

 Saturday morning, I slipped on my leggings and a vest, and prepared to visit some tailgates. Little did I know, in addition to drinks and good friends, Blacksburg had something else in mind: frostbite. I mean seriously, Friday it was 70 degrees and Saturday it is 40?! Oh Blacksburg, how I had forgotten your tricky ways. Over the course of the day I had bought: a hat, gloves, poncho, borrowed another jacket and could still hear my teeth chattering during the hopeful cries of my fellow Hokies.

Back at Harrell St!

Frozen

 

We left the game in the fourth quarter and Jon and I headed back to Tots to regain feeling in our bodies meet up with everyone and end the night on a positive note. While the loss was disappointing, the winning combination of our friends and bburg never seem to fail...so all is well that ends well.

Wednesdays

Those of you that know me know Wednesdays are, by far, my least favorite day. Excuse me "hump day" cant you just hurry up already? I am not really sure why I feel like this, but I think its because Wednesdays always seemed to crawl by, smack dab in the middle of the week and ready to throw a curve ball your way. Anyone else have the Wednesday blues?

If so, here is a little video to cheer you all up!

Here's to hoping we are all that energetic 62 years from now!

Here Comes October!

I cannot believe September is almost over! I would be sad time is flying by, but I selfishly love October. The next few weeks/weekends will bring some really exciting things, so I absolutely cannot wait!

Here's a little line up of some of I get to look forward to on this Tuesday morning:

• DC this Weekend
• VT/Clemson Game in Blacksburg! (My First Game in B-burg Since I Graduated!!)
• Seeing Wicked in Richmond
• My birthday :)
• Reavis and Sarah's Engagement Party!
• LA Vacation with Jon! (One Month from Today!)

I absolutely cannot wait to see all of my favorite Hokies, spend the night celebrating my good friends, and take on Hollywood with Jon - along with all the other stuff in between! It is certainly setting up to be a great month!

Happy Birthday, Nama!!

I would like to take the time this morning to wish my grandma, Nama, a very happy birthday!! She, like Papa, has been such a wonderful constant in our entire families' lives. She taught me every travel game I know, gives the best hugs in the world, and is responsible for my love of photography. From the beginning, her and Papa have shown us what it means to be a strong, loving family - and for that I could not thank them enough.

Nama always makes each birthday special for me, and while I will not see her tonight, I hope this helps make this one special for her. So Nama, here is to many, many, many more. Thank you for being such an amazing grandmother, and inspiration to us all!!  I love you!!




Me and Nama in Florida



Thursday Thoughts

Recently I have felt a little bit like a crazy person. Now don't worry, I am not going to go around talking about "WINNING" and inventing my own vocabulary, a la Charlie Sheen, but I am going to do a little blog-venting.

I have realized that the post-college early twenties seem to be much like freshman year: lots of confusion, but lots of fun. Somewhere in all of that I have found myself questioning myself, what I do, who I love, and so many other things that I envisioned to be so solid a year or two ago.

I often get a lot of jokes made (yes Jon, I am talking about you) about the title of this blog.  To some people, I am sure like it sounds like "another one of those girly things." But really it is because I think Marilyn Monroe said it best when she said:

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

If I had to pick a quote to describe how I felt when I started this blog, and even now, it would be that quote. For starters, I am no where near perfect, but I have realized somewhere along the way that usually the imperfection brings on some other kind of positive in your personality/life/etc.  As for the madness, I think that pretty much describes life right now and proves that someday soon I will be so thankful for these crazy years.

I believe all of that aforementioned confusion, for me, is just fear of the unknown. We seem to be at this strange point in our lives where we seems think about how our actions determine the rest of it: career, marriage, friends, family, etc. We somehow overnight went from "crazy college students" to "working professionals". We have more responsibility, whether we choose to take it or not, to ourselves and others. And with that comes a lot of pressure: pressure to be the best daughter, sister, friend, employee, girlfriend and person I can be. And pressure to make sure all of that makes me happy as well.

With responsibility and pressure comes choices. Should I or shouldn't I? Is it or isn't it? Why or why not? The hard part seems to be making the decision for yourself, and for me, without the emotional mumbo jumbo involved. We all want to be extremely successful, loved, and happy; and all we can do is fight like hell to get there.

My Dad used to tell Katie and I one life lesson over and over again when we were little, "never give up." It always seemed so simple to me. I mean, sure Dad math was hard but I had to do it, so why would I give up? Of course now I realize that lesson seems better suited for now. Never give up. Three simple words that to me mean fight for what you believe in, the job you want to reach, the relationship you want to keep, and so much more.

I guess the point of this big boring rant, is way more for myself than anyone else. But I hope you all can relate to in some way. Alright, or maybe I just need to be sent to live in a house with Britney Spears and Charlie Sheen, remember "it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” :)

Labor Day Weekend

To celebrate Labor Day weekend this year, Jon and I bored a plane for Atlanta after work on Friday. My cousin Amy, her husband Chinda and my other cousin Adam all live in Atlanta, with the cutest little man in the world (Amy and Chinda's son) Colton. A mini-vacation + getting to see your family = heaven.

Colton!

Over the course of the weekend we were able to go to the lake, visit an art festival in Marietta, tour downtown Atlanta (and dragon-con in this case), and spend much needed time laughing/relaxing with each other. Now of course, it would be no trip to the south for me if I did not insist upon Zaxbys at least once. So we went there, twice. :) (thanks Amy and Chinda!)

Chinda, Jon and Adam hanging out on the boat

Enjoying the lake with Amy and Colton

Marietta with Amy

As for Jon, I think he passed the family test. Or at least I know he did with Colton, who would wake Jon up every morning by coming in the room and saying "rise and shine Jon, wake up!" and then bring him a few toys to inspect.

Best buds, and Jon's human alarm clock

As Jon and I waited at the airport, we couldn't stop talking about our amazing labor day weekend. The trip was everything I hoped it would be and more and I am counting down the days until our Bryson family Christmas back in ATL.

Waiting at the ATL airport after an amazing vacation!

15 Minutes of Fame

Alright, make that 15 seconds.

As I mentioned, I headed to Roanoke on Monday night for a big meeting and got to spend some much needed time with my little sis! Katie just moved into the sorority house and had saved me a spot to snuggle with her in her new bed. Or at least that was the plan until I arrived and saw this.....

Katies Bed

...see the two magazines I laid across to show the size....how in the world were two people going to fit in there?! So instead of  spending a night praying I didnt fall off the side of the bed whenever Katie wiggled her big toe, we decided a blow up matress on the floor was the way to go.

After Katies childhood stuffed animal fell off and hit me in the head later that night, I knew we had made the right decision. I mean if a poor little dog was sent flying off the bed, imagine what my fate had been.

Before the actual slumber part of the party began, Katie treated me to Zaxbys and a trip to the Roanoke Star. After 4 years of living in the NRV I had never made it here, and am so happy I finally got the chance!

When we arrived at the Star Katie informed me we could send people a website and they would see us at the star. I, of course, jumped on the opportunity and sent the website to Mom, Cetta and Jon. Which lead to this.....

You can always count on Concetta for a few good laughs. We finally were able to get a screenshot of ourselves and, in turn, savored every moment of our 15 seconds of fame.

Katie and i on the bench!



Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend everyone!

Irene

Just wanted to say I hope everyone is fairing well post-storm. As for all of the family and friends who have been so supportive during this time, thank you! I love you all and appreciate all the inquiries.

Mom and Dad boarded up the house and headed for Roanoke with Katie, while Lexy enjoyed a weekend with her big sis (me!) in Richmond. Luckily, the water from the bay did not reach the house and everything seems to be better than expected. From what I have heard, Nama and Papa's house was also spared from any major damage and clean up seems to be going smoothly. We are all so blessed to have not received any bad news, and especially to have so many wonderful people checking in on us. Thank you so, so much!

I hope the same goes for all of you throughout the Eastern Seaboard! As for me, I am headed to Roanoke this afternoon for a big meeting in the morning. Not only does this mean I get to have dinner with Katie, but I get to sleepover at Roanoke College for the first time! I cannot wait to see her newly decorated place and spend a relaxing night with her after all of the excitement from the natural disasters. And yes, this probably does mean Disney movies and Zaxbys.....

What can I say, we are still children at heart. :)

"All Shook Up"

What a Tuesday!

The morning had quickly come and gone and we were on to the second half of the work day when our building started violently shaking for a little under a minute. A few "what in the worlds'" and panics later we were outside learning what we had just felt was, in fact, an earthquake. At that moment everyone was thinking the same thing "Hold on, an earthquake in Virginia?!?" At least I certainly never thought I would see that in my lifetime. I guess I can check "experience an earthquake" off my bucket list.
Luckily there was minimal damage, and I am so thankful everyone is ok!

Here's to hoping we all safely escape the next natural disaster targeting the East Coast, Irene. Everyone stay safe and enjoy the beautiful weather while you can!

"Walk With Firm Feet" (Africa, Part 2)

While in Cape Town I picked up a postcard with a Nelson Mandela quote that said, "In my lifetime I shall step out into the sunshine, walk with firm feet."

This postcard is now carefully hung in my cubicle, next to a picture of the South African sunset. I somehow always find myself looking at this orange and yellow slab of paper when I need a little inspiration. I have always been a quote loving girl, and that probably will not change anytime soon. As for this one, I love it because it can apply to each of us in some way, but it also brings me back to Africa.

The level of joy and happiness scattered throughout, even the most impoverished areas, that continent always seem to level me. They make me thankful for what I have, and inspire me to become the person I have always dreamed of being. Walking with firm feet toward a bright future.

With that said I will take you from South Africa, to the country of Zambia. Imagine going from New York city, to a small city in Wyoming all in one trip. The houses/huts were far more spread out, infrastructure was dwindling, but instead of cars crowding what would be roadways, you were met on dirt paths by all sorts of animals. For me, this was just another part of my traveling paradise, though I imagine not everyone feels the same way. I think it is easy for people to say "you couldn't pay me to go there", but it takes a little risk for a lot of reward when it comes to vacations like this.

In Zambia, our days where filled with game drives, canoeing, walking safaris and nights were centered around amazing dinners, friends and a night drive. We stayed at extraordinary places with unmatchable staff, said hello to the Zambian President mid-safari, and spent many days searching for these beautiful animals in the natural habitat.

Giraffes (my personal favorite)



On a morning ride, crossing the river



Jaguar

Canoeing (well, actually stopped because my guide got out to take a picture)

 Yes, we did have a run-in with an elephant and a hippo, but hey we all survived. Katie and I were even greeted by animals elephants in front of our tents many mornings, and hippos at night. I like to think they were standing guard, even though we weren't allowed to enter or exit when they were visiting.

Elephant that almost charged me

Though I love the big animals, I am not a fan of the less threatening but ever so sneaky little ones (frogs, geckos, bugs) so you can imagine how much Katie loved being my roommate. Especially when I was greeted by a gecko in the closet and I screamed loud enough you would have thought a baboon had jumped the shower with me.

Roomie/sister love <3

The two camps we stayed at in Zambia were Puku Ridge and Sausage Tree. They were both lovely, but I was completely in love with everything about Puku. The staff, the views, the optional outdoor shower, the animals!....amazing.

Puku Lobby/Dining Area (taken from their website because I forgot to take one)



Katie and my tent at Puku



Took this to show how close we were to the lions



Surprise happy hour, mid-safari, from the Puku Staff....amazing

Needless to say we did have a few interesting/ borderline scary moments, but all in all this trip made me fall even more in love with Africa...if that was even possible.

The end! (check out the baby elephant in the middle!)